What was intended to be a sharing circle concerning a forthcoming supportive housing development in the Sault descended into an explosive display of anger and frustration on Thursday night.
Proponents of a 30-unit transitional housing project geared toward Indigenous men — located at 243 and 235 River Road in the city’s east end — shared a slide presentation at the Sault Ste. Marie Indigenous Friendship Centre, all while facing a barrage of unsolicited questions and concerns from people living in the neighbourhood.
“This is not a pleasant event,” shouted River Road resident Tony Barban before the presentation even got started.
“We are in a war cry!”
A number of people expressed fears around safety, the potential for higher crime rates and declining property values — at times likening the $14.8-million healing centre to Verdi Hall, which was once used as a temporary, low-barrier shelter for men in the Sault.
“We have to heal our people in the right way, so we’ve gone to great lengths to be able to create a housing model that is there 24-7 for the security of everybody. We are not building a Verdi Hall, as somebody stated,” said Cathy Connor, senior director of housing development for Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services.
“People cannot even enter this housing development unless they have been referred, and they have a program lease.
“A program lease does not give the tenant landlord-tenant rights, like anybody who just goes and rents an apartment.”
There will be a case management team for each individual in order to assist them in their “journey to wellness,” Connor added.
“They’re human beings, and everybody has a right to a dignified life — and that’s what we’re going to try and do for these people,” she said.
As previously reported by SooToday, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Support Services Corp. purchased the waterfront property in February of 2024 for $1,088,948 from its former owner, Robert Dale.
Last month, Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheehan announced $750,000 in federal funding for the pre-development planning phase for the development of the healing centre, which will be operated by the Sault Ste. Marie Indigenous Friendship Centre.
It was part of nearly $15 million in federal funding announced for OAHSSC to support a total of 593 housing units across Ontario.
As first reported by Kenneth Armstrong of SooToday, the announcement about 243 River Road was met with concern from people living in the area, some of whom were not informed of the plans for the property.
"I found out on SooToday, which had multiple lies in it,” said Deidre Jolicoeur, who lives nearby the property. “Not one neighbour in the neighbourhood said, 'oh yeah, it’s going to be nice to have something pretty and new in the neighbourhood.' No one said that.”
A woman who lives near the property said proponents of the project are “not listening to us.”
“My daughters are just at the age where they’re still young, but they’re able to stay at home by themselves,” she said.
“I have children at home that are alone. It’s kind of nerve-racking — that man did say ‘angry men’ are going to be in my backyard.
“They want water — what about the old hospital? They could be there — it’s already got rooms, it’s on the water. What about on the reserve? Their community is there. But not in our backyard. I’m scared my property value is going to go down with a facility like this as well. Build that facility — I’m all for it — but not in my backyard.”
Barban also expressed concern about declining property values in a “very expensive” neighbourhood.
“River Road became a retirement home for homeowners — not for centres like this, you know?” he said.
“I don’t understand this.”
Justin Marchand, chief executive officer of OAHSSC, says staff were taking note of the questions and concerns raised during the three-hour meeting held on Thursday night.
“All of those concerns will be taken back, and we’ll assess who’s best to evaluate those comments and questions, and then try to come up with the best possible solution given the circumstances,” he said.
Marchand says many people thanked him after the information session ended.
“There were many people who stayed right through to the end and thanked us for the presentation.
"I think when we did the original circle introductions, almost everyone said they were here to get information.
“So, we have to be really careful — yes, there are some individuals who are extremely passionate or emotional tonight, and we have to make sure that we’re not labelling everyone in that same manner.”